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Hometravel

10 trending cities every Gen Z traveler is visiting right now

Discover the 10 trending cities every Gen Z traveler is visiting in 2025. Explore top destinations like Buenos Aires, Busan, Ko Samui, and Stockholm for culture, nightlife, street food, and quick international getaways.

Priyanka Roshan | December 11, 2025 / 13:50 IST
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Travel is changing fast, and 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting years yet. Gone are the days when young travelers were stereotyped as carefree backpackers drifting from beach to beach. Today’s Gen Z—now aged roughly 13 to 28—is rewriting the travel rulebook with quick, high-impact international getaways that pack culture, music, food, nightlife, and adventure into just a day or two.
Travel is changing fast, and 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting years yet. Gone are the days when young travelers were stereotyped as carefree backpackers drifting from beach to beach. Today’s Gen Z—now aged roughly 13 to 28—is rewriting the travel rulebook with quick, high-impact international getaways that pack culture, music, food, nightlife, and adventure into just a day or two.
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According to Airbnb, short 1–2 day international trips are rising sharply in popularity among Gen Z. Inspired by viral TikTok “day-trip” trends and the constant quest to make the most of limited PTO, young travelers are choosing vibrant, high-energy cities over laid-back destinations. Think neon-lit streets, buzzing food markets, local festivals, street art, and neighborhoods rich with history and creativity. From Latin America to East Asia, here are the 10 trending cities Gen Z travelers are flocking to right now.
According to Airbnb, short 1–2 day international trips are rising sharply in popularity among Gen Z. Inspired by viral TikTok “day-trip” trends and the constant quest to make the most of limited PTO, young travelers are choosing vibrant, high-energy cities over laid-back destinations. Think neon-lit streets, buzzing food markets, local festivals, street art, and neighborhoods rich with history and creativity. From Latin America to East Asia, here are the 10 trending cities Gen Z travelers are flocking to right now.
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1. Buenos Aires, Argentina | Buenos Aires is a sensory overload in the best way. Known for its late-night tango clubs, colorful murals, and lively café culture, the city pulses with creative energy. Street markets, underground reggaeton venues, and historic neighborhoods like San Telmo make Buenos Aires a magnet for young globetrotters. Must-do: Try a traditional asado (Argentinian BBQ), explore La Boca’s colorful streets, and join a tango class at night.
1. Buenos Aires, Argentina | Buenos Aires is a sensory overload in the best way. Known for its late-night tango clubs, colorful murals, and lively café culture, the city pulses with creative energy. Street markets, underground reggaeton venues, and historic neighborhoods like San Telmo make Buenos Aires a magnet for young globetrotters.
Must-do: Try a traditional asado (Argentinian BBQ), explore La Boca’s colorful streets, and join a tango class at night.
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2. Busan, South Korea | Busan blends coastal charm with neon-lit urban excitement. From beachfront hikes to bustling night markets, this port city offers both nature and nightlife. Art lovers can explore contemporary galleries, while foodies enjoy spicy street eats and hands-on cooking classes. Must-do: Sample fresh seafood at Jagalchi Market and hike the scenic coastal trails for Instagram-worthy views.
2. Busan, South Korea | Busan blends coastal charm with neon-lit urban excitement. From beachfront hikes to bustling night markets, this port city offers both nature and nightlife. Art lovers can explore contemporary galleries, while foodies enjoy spicy street eats and hands-on cooking classes.
Must-do: Sample fresh seafood at Jagalchi Market and hike the scenic coastal trails for Instagram-worthy views.
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3. João Pessoa, Brazil | João Pessoa is a mix of beach parties, street music, and colonial architecture. Its sunrise gatherings and local rhythms create a unique, immersive experience. Quick trips to natural pools or nearby beaches allow travelers to connect with Brazil’s stunning landscapes while enjoying a lively social vibe. Must-do: Dance to local rhythms at a beach party and explore the city’s historical churches and plazas.
3. João Pessoa, Brazil | João Pessoa is a mix of beach parties, street music, and colonial architecture. Its sunrise gatherings and local rhythms create a unique, immersive experience. Quick trips to natural pools or nearby beaches allow travelers to connect with Brazil’s stunning landscapes while enjoying a lively social vibe.
Must-do: Dance to local rhythms at a beach party and explore the city’s historical churches and plazas.
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4. Ko Samui, Thailand | Ko Samui is more than just beaches. The island thrives on temple festivals, night markets, and cultural workshops. Visitors can combine sightseeing with community experiences, from cooking Thai delicacies to joining local ceremonies. Must-do: Take a cooking class, visit Big Buddha Temple, and explore the vibrant Fisherman’s Village market.
4. Ko Samui, Thailand | Ko Samui is more than just beaches. The island thrives on temple festivals, night markets, and cultural workshops. Visitors can combine sightseeing with community experiences, from cooking Thai delicacies to joining local ceremonies.
Must-do: Take a cooking class, visit Big Buddha Temple, and explore the vibrant Fisherman’s Village market.
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5. Maceió, Brazil | Maceió is for travelers seeking energetic beachfront parties, street music, and regional flavors. Hidden coves, electric bike tours, and local dance nights make it a playground for adventurous Gen Zers. Must-do: Explore the hidden beaches, join a forró dance class, and indulge in traditional Brazilian seafood dishes.
5. Maceió, Brazil | Maceió is for travelers seeking energetic beachfront parties, street music, and regional flavors. Hidden coves, electric bike tours, and local dance nights make it a playground for adventurous Gen Zers.
Must-do: Explore the hidden beaches, join a forró dance class, and indulge in traditional Brazilian seafood dishes.
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6. Marrakesh, Morocco | Marrakesh offers winding souks, rooftop lounges, and festive celebrations. History and modernity blend seamlessly as visitors wander palaces, sample Moroccan cuisine, and immerse themselves in local traditions. Must-do: Shop in the Medina, savor mint tea on a rooftop, and participate in a hands-on cooking session with a local family.
6. Marrakesh, Morocco | Marrakesh offers winding souks, rooftop lounges, and festive celebrations. History and modernity blend seamlessly as visitors wander palaces, sample Moroccan cuisine, and immerse themselves in local traditions.
Must-do: Shop in the Medina, savor mint tea on a rooftop, and participate in a hands-on cooking session with a local family.
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7. Mexico City, Mexico | Mexico City vibrates with street art, live mariachi, and bustling food markets. Midnight tacos, secret gardens, and the works of famous architects make it a city full of surprises for young travelers looking for authentic urban adventures. Must-do: Explore Frida Kahlo’s Casa Azul, enjoy street food tours, and discover the city’s murals and hidden plazas.
7. Mexico City, Mexico | Mexico City vibrates with street art, live mariachi, and bustling food markets. Midnight tacos, secret gardens, and the works of famous architects make it a city full of surprises for young travelers looking for authentic urban adventures.
Must-do: Explore Frida Kahlo’s Casa Azul, enjoy street food tours, and discover the city’s murals and hidden plazas.
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8. Nakano, Japan | Nakano is a haven for pop culture enthusiasts. From anime arcades to quirky shops and retro museums, the district appeals to those seeking Japan’s modern cultural pulse. Traditional workshops, ramen hunts, and painting classes add a local flavor. Must-do: Visit Nakano Broadway for collectibles, sample hidden ramen spots, and try Japanese painting or craft workshops.
8. Nakano, Japan | Nakano is a haven for pop culture enthusiasts. From anime arcades to quirky shops and retro museums, the district appeals to those seeking Japan’s modern cultural pulse. Traditional workshops, ramen hunts, and painting classes add a local flavor.
Must-do: Visit Nakano Broadway for collectibles, sample hidden ramen spots, and try Japanese painting or craft workshops.
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9. San Juan, Puerto Rico | San Juan combines colonial charm, street murals, and legendary nightlife. Music, dance, and Afro-Caribbean heritage dominate the city’s culture, making it perfect for travelers who want to party, eat, and explore history in one trip. Must-do: Salsa dance at night, sample local street food, and stroll the cobblestone streets of Old San Juan.
9. San Juan, Puerto Rico | San Juan combines colonial charm, street murals, and legendary nightlife. Music, dance, and Afro-Caribbean heritage dominate the city’s culture, making it perfect for travelers who want to party, eat, and explore history in one trip.
Must-do: Salsa dance at night, sample local street food, and stroll the cobblestone streets of Old San Juan.
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10. Stockholm, Sweden | Stockholm balances modern design, indie music, and medieval charm. From cozy cafés to historic streets and waterfront walks, the city offers a well-rounded cultural escape for Gen Z travelers seeking both relaxation and adventure. Must-do: Explore Gamla Stan (old town), take a ferry ride across the archipelago, and enjoy Stockholm’s vibrant nightlife and café culture.
10. Stockholm, Sweden | Stockholm balances modern design, indie music, and medieval charm. From cozy cafés to historic streets and waterfront walks, the city offers a well-rounded cultural escape for Gen Z travelers seeking both relaxation and adventure.
Must-do: Explore Gamla Stan (old town), take a ferry ride across the archipelago, and enjoy Stockholm’s vibrant nightlife and café culture.

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